HOW TO STARTThe smart way to begin is at a gym with a teacher, spending a few weeks learning to gain confidence. Two popular indoor training centers are Petra Cliffs Climbing Center in Burlington (866-657-3872) or Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center in Rutland (773-3343).

THE NEXT STEPConsider the entry-level activity of bouldering. Bouldering is a growing facet of the climbing scene, and merely involves trying a series of moves to get to the top of a selected boulder, maybe seven feet or so from a sitting start. Some folks employ a crash pad, which can be purchased at most outdoor stores, and other than that, all you really need is climbing shoes.

WHERE TO GOExciting cliffs can be found throughout Vermont, including Lower West Cliff and CRAG-VT Bolton Quarry, Wheeler Mountain near Lake Willoughby, Deer Leap Rock in Killington, Falls of Lana near Lake Dunmore and Smugglers Notch between Stowe and Jeffersonville (restrictions during peregrine falcon nesting season; watch for postings).